Colonial America

Definition

Colonial America refers to the period in North American history from the late 15th century until the American Revolution in the late 18th century, when European powers established settlements and colonies. This era laid the foundation for American culture, politics, and society, influencing literature, religion, and governance in ways that are still felt today.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Colonial America was marked by a diverse mix of cultures due to the influx of various European settlers, enslaved Africans, and Native Americans, leading to a rich tapestry of social dynamics.
2. Religious dissent played a critical role in shaping communities and governance structures, as seen in the formation of colonies like Massachusetts by Puritans seeking freedom from persecution.
3. The literature of Colonial America often reflected themes of survival, faith, and community, with prominent figures like Anne Bradstreet and Jonathan Edwards addressing these subjects in their works.
4. The tensions between colonial governance and British authority eventually fueled revolutionary sentiments, with literature serving as a powerful tool for expressing dissent and rallying support.
5. Colonial America laid the groundwork for later American ideals such as democracy, individual rights, and a unique cultural identity that would flourish in the post-revolutionary period.

Review Questions

• How did the religious beliefs of settlers influence the development of communities in Colonial America?
  • The religious beliefs of settlers played a vital role in shaping communities in Colonial America. For instance, Puritans established Massachusetts Bay Colony as a 'city upon a hill' to create a model Christian society. Their emphasis on hard work, morality, and community governance affected not just social norms but also local laws and educational systems. As a result, religious principles became intertwined with daily life and civic responsibility in many colonies.
• In what ways did Enlightenment ideas influence literature and political thought during Colonial America?
  • Enlightenment ideas greatly influenced both literature and political thought in Colonial America by promoting reason, skepticism towards authority, and the importance of individual rights. Thinkers like Benjamin Franklin incorporated Enlightenment principles into their essays and almanacs, encouraging self-improvement and civic responsibility. This intellectual movement laid the groundwork for revolutionary ideas about governance and human rights that would emerge during the fight for independence.
• Evaluate how colonial conflicts with Native Americans shaped societal structures and literary themes in Colonial America.
  • Colonial conflicts with Native Americans significantly impacted societal structures and literary themes during Colonial America. The struggles over land and resources led to violent confrontations that influenced colonial policies and attitudes towards indigenous peoples. Literature from this period often depicted these conflicts as moral dilemmas or heroic struggles for survival. Works like those of Cotton Mather reflected a complex relationship with Native Americans, blending themes of fear, conquest, and sometimes admiration for native cultures. This created a narrative tension that shaped both identity and collective memory in early American literature.

Related terms

Puritanism: A religious reform movement that arose within the Church of England, emphasizing a strict moral code and a desire to purify the church, significantly impacting the culture and literature of Colonial America.

Enlightenment: An intellectual movement in the 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority, greatly influencing American thinkers and writers during Colonial America.

Mercantilism: An economic theory that dominated European thought during the Colonial period, suggesting that nations should accumulate wealth through trade regulation and colonial expansion.